Authors : John Peter Ndikubwimana; Jean Baptiste Ukwizabigira; Dr. Mourice B. Silali

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4ds2zfdf

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2h9r7x5z

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14608180

Abstract : This study investigates the biomedical factors during pregnancy attributed to the development of schizophrenia at Rwinkwavu District Hospital, Rwanda. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the research aimed to identify potential pregnancy-related factors influencing the onset of schizophrenia from June 2023 to June 2024. The sample consisted of 312 patients diagnosed with mental disorders, focusing on those with schizophrenia. Data collection involved reviewing patient files, registers, and electronic medical records to capture demographic details, genetic predispositions, and pregnancy complications. Quantitative data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics to assess associations between identified biomedical factors and schizophrenia. Additionally, qualitative data from Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) provided deeper insights into the influence of maternal health, nutritional deficiencies, and prenatal care on the risk of developing schizophrenia. The results highlighted a significant correlation between genetic predispositions and pregnancy-related complications with increased schizophrenia risk. Ethical considerations included informed consent, confidentiality, and approval from the relevant ethics committees (Mount Kenya University) school of post graduate and Rwinkwavu Hospital Research commute. This study underscores the importance of addressing prenatal care and genetic counseling to mitigate the risks associated with schizophrenia development during pregnancy.

Keywords : Biomedical Factors, Pregnancy, Disorders, Genetic Predisposition, Nutrition.

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